Dress to Impress in Your Agent Intro
What to Wear for On-Camera Success: A Guide for Real Estate Agents
Over the past 16 years, Open Homes has helped over 6,000 clients elevate their brands and market over $60 billion in real estate. We’ve learned that presenting yourself well on camera is crucial to creating a professional and engaging image. To help you look your best in your videos and photos, we’ve compiled this guide on what to wear for your on-camera appearances.
Tip: Print this list and keep it handy for your next on-camera appearance to keep yourself on track!
Bring Three Outfit Options:
Always come prepared with three outfit options. This ensures you have backups in case a particular outfit isn’t working due to lighting, background colors, or other unforeseen factors (like that unexpected coffee spill). Having options can save time and help you feel more confident on camera.
Contrast with the Background
If you know the filming location in advance, choose outfits that contrast well with the background. For instance, if you will be filming in a room with a lot of white or light colors, avoid wearing white or light beige. Instead, opt for darker shades to stand out.
Poor Contrast
Wearing colors that blend into the background can cause a loss of focus and reduce the visual impact.
Good Contrast
Choosing colors that contrast well with the background pulls the viewer’s focus to you.
Express Your Unique Style:
Don’t be afraid to showcase your personality through your clothing. Choose pieces that reflect who you are and make you feel comfortable and confident. Whether it’s a statement accessory or a favorite color, let your style shine through in a way that aligns with your personal brand. Being true to yourself will not only make you feel more at ease but will also create a genuine connection with your audience.
Stick to Solids (Mind the Moire):
Solid colors keep the focus on you and your message. Opting for solid colors rather than busy patterns, tight lines, or small prints. Busy patterns can be distracting, but most importantly, they can cause a flickering or jittering known as “moire” on most camera systems.
Moiré Mishap
Moire patterns draw attention away from the subject and can be very distracting to the viewer.
Looking Solid
Solid colors minimize distractions, making for a clean and polished appearance.
Watch Your Tone: Avoid Colors That Blend with Your Skin Tone
Select colors that provide a contrast to your skin tone. If you have fair skin, consider jewel tones like emerald green, sapphire blue, or rich burgundy. If you have a darker skin tone, vibrant colors like royal blue, deep red, and bright yellow can look fantastic. Avoid colors that are too similar to your skin tone as they can wash you out.
Washed Out
Clothing that is too similar to skin color can wash you out.
Nice Contrast
Providing enough contrast to your skin tone adds interest and helps you stand out.
Consider the Weather
If you’re filming outside, consider the weather and choose outfits that are appropriate for the conditions. Layering can be a good strategy to stay comfortable while looking polished.
If you’re filming indoors, keep in mind that it can get warm with the filming equipment running. Additionally, windows must be closed and air conditioning turned off to keep the room as quiet as possible.
Plan Your Accessories
Keep accessories minimal and avoid anything too shiny or noisy, as these can be distracting on camera. Simple and elegant accessories can enhance your outfit without taking away from your message.
Glasses are optional, but should be worn if they are a recognizable part of your persona. Don’t worry about possible glare; we can adjust the lighting, your positioning, and even edit out any glare that might show up.
Check for Fit and Comfort
Make sure your clothes fit well and you feel comfortable in them. Ill-fitting clothes can be distracting and make you feel self-conscious. Comfort is key to looking natural and confident on camera.
Pro tip: bring a couple binder clips or clothes pins to help adjust fit. They’re very helpful in a pinch!
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that you look polished, professional, and camera-ready for your marketing videos and photo shoots with us. Remember, your appearance is a reflection of your brand, so take the time to prepare and present yourself in the best light possible.